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Oral History Interviews of the Abo Canyon Oral History Project for the BNSF Railroad

 Collection
Identifier: MSS-952-BC

Scope and Content

The collection consists of audio and transcripts of interviews, primarily with ranchers, farmers, and railroad employees from settlements along the Belen Cutoff of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (now BNSF) Railway between Belen and Clovis, NM. The interviews generated a large body of knowledge related to the railroad, settlement patterns, and community formation in the region, including Socorro, Torrance, and Valencia counties. Interview participants provided detailed information about how their families and others, both Hispanos and Anglos, settled central New Mexico in the highlands east of the Rio Grande Valley- a process accelerated by the construction of the Belen Cutoff from 1903-1907. This research also focused on economic trends and shifts in land use, including the transition from sheep herding and dry-land farming to cattle ranching and a wage-based economy.

Dates

  • 2007-2009
  • Majority of material found within 2008

Language of Materials

English

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research.

Copy Restrictions

Limited duplication of CSWR material is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for compliance with all copyright, privacy, and libel laws. Permission is required for publication or distribution.

Project History

Parametrix conducted the cultural resource survey and mitigation of adverse effects for the BNSF's Second Track Project, near Belen, NM as a major component of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Section 106 compliance process. Shawn Kelley, a cultural anthropologist and ethnographer interviewed scores of individuals, recording their oral histories related to the railroad, Abo Canyon, and the surrounding area.

Extent

1 box (.26 cu. ft.)

Abstract

Parametrix conducted the cultural resource survey and mitigation of adverse effects for the BNSF's Second Track Project, near Belen, NM as a major component of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Section 106 compliance process. Shawn Kelley, a cultural anthropologist and ethnographer interviewed scores of individuals, recording their oral histories related to the railroad, Abo Canyon, and the surrounding area.

Separated Material

Master digital files are stored on the library file server.
Title
Finding aid of the Oral History Interviews of the Abo Canyon Oral History Project for the BNSF Railroad, 2007-2009 (bulk 2008)
Status
Completed
Date
© 2016
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid is in English

Revision Statements

  • Monday, 20210524: Attribute normal is missing or blank.

Repository Details

Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository

Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451